Hyundai Revs Up Veloster Concept

Hyundai Motor Co. is teaming up with Chicago-based tuner Blood Type Racing on a souped-up version of its Veloster hatchback. The partners will unveil the Veloster Turbo R-Spec early next month at the Specialty Equipment Market Assn. show in Las Vegas.

The concept hot hatch adds a high-boost Garrett turbocharger to the base Veloster's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine. Other enhancements include a redesigned intake manifold from KMC Fabrication, custom forged pistons from Pavel's Racing Engines and a methanol/water injection system from Devils Own.

The changes increase the concept's output to more than 500 hp from 132 hp for the base Veloster, according to Hyundai. The carmaker notes that the car's specific output of 312 hp/l is close to that of a Formula One race car.

The concept also gets new cylinder sleeves, a retuned electronic control unit and a 3-inch-diameter exhaust pipe. Other performance goodies include a race-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels wrapped by low-profile Toyo tires, and a motorsports underbody brace.

A carbon black paint job, red racing stripe and red projector headlights highlight the exterior. Other features include an extra-wide carbon fiber body kit, new grille and a large rear wing.

The stripped-down interior gets racing-spec front bucket seats and no rear seating, 4-point harnesses, roll cage and racing steering wheel. A boost gauge and high-end audio system also have been added.